Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Gail Ward Olmsted

Book Title: Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip

Released:  06/13/24

Genre:  Biographical/Women’s Fiction

Interview by Heather L. Barksdale

What inspired you to write “Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip”?

Olmsted: While doing research for Landscape of a Marriage, I kept seeing the name Katharine Prescott Wormeley. She was a trusted friend and confidante of Frederick Law Olmsted and when I read about her many accomplishments and interesting life, I wanted to know more about her. I hope readers will too.

How did you come up with the names of your main characters?

Olmsted: Katharine and her sisters, Fred and Mary Olmsted and Georgeanna Woolsey are real people, but I had fun with making up names for stuffy Edward Talbot, soulful Stephen Harrison, and persnickety Gerald Winters. I start out with a clear sense of the character and the names just stick.

If "Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?

Olmsted:  Helen Mirren would be remarkable as Katharine. British born, American citizen, perfect

age... She even was romantically involved with Liam Neeson back in the 80’s and he would make a terrific Stephen, Katharine’s unavailable love interest.

When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?

Olmsted: I don’t get stuck often, but when the words aren’t flowing, I go for a walk, grab a coffee, bug my husband, take my kayak for a spin or find something to watch on Hulu. It usually

passes quickly.

Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?

Olmsted: Learn about marketing and ways to connect with target readers. Social media, book signings, contests and competitions are the tools you will need to master and regardless of how you publish (self-pub, hybrid, traditional) you will be expected to participate actively in the promotion of your work. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s also a lot of fun!

What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?

Olmsted: I enjoy thrillers and mysteries in addition to beach reads and historical fiction. My favorite authors are Dennis Lehane, Stephen King, Michael Connelly, Karin Slaughter, Lisa Scottoline and Elin Hilderbrand. They never disappoint!!

What are you working on next?

Olmsted: My next book which will be published on December 5 th is Miranda Fights. It’s the 3 rd title in the Legal Twist trilogy featuring Miranda Quinn, a former assistant district attorney who is seeking a career comeback. The first two titles are Miranda Writes and Miranda Nights. All three are contemporary women’s fiction with a legal twist.

Interested in checking out the book for yourself?

Find it for purchase here

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